Humble Grape begins new chapter beneath Bow Bells
Independent wine bar and importer Humble Grape has announced the opening of its seventh London venue, located beneath the historic St Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside. The new Bow Lane site will open in November 2025, offering guests an atmospheric retreat steeped in a thousand years of history.
The launch follows the company’s continued expansion in both the on-trade and retail markets, as it strengthens partnerships with some of the UK’s most respected hospitality names.
Humble Grape Bow Lane will open within the 11th-century crypt of St Mary-le-Bow. Tucked beneath the Bow Bells, the venue spans three bays and features original Norman arches and a groined vault, offering a serene contrast to the bustle of Cheapside.
Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London, St Mary-le-Bow has long stood as a symbol of resilience. Now, as per Humble Grape, its crypt will find new purpose as a space for “exceptional wine, delicious food, and meaningful connections.” The venue will accommodate 60 guests inside and a further 40 on the terrace.
A timeless setting for contemporary wine culture
“Opening our doors within such an extraordinary setting is both humbling and inspiring,” said founder James Dawson. “St Mary-le-Bow has stood for centuries as a place of gathering and community – values that resonate deeply with Humble Grape. We want Bow Lane to be more than a wine bar; it’s a place where people can connect, discover wines made with integrity, and feel part of something timeless.”
Founded in 2009, Humble Grape has evolved from a single Battersea pop-up into a collection of six London wine bars, with Bow Lane set to be its seventh. The group’s ethos, Dawson explained, is simple: “fight the good wine fight” – eschewing mass production and unnecessary chemicals in favour of honest winemaking and accessibility.
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Championing small producers and sustainability
Humble Grape directly imports wines from 26 countries, working exclusively with independent growers who follow organic, biodynamic and sustainable practices. Its mission, according to the business, is to make high-quality wine approachable, supported by knowledgeable staff and creative, jargon-free tasting notes.
The Bow Lane site will feature more than 500 bottles available by the glass and bottle, alongside European-inspired sharing plates. Guests can expect the bar’s signature baked Camembert, artisan cheese and charcuterie, seasonal small plates and perfectly cooked steaks – all designed to complement an evolving wine list.
Expansion
The new opening follows a period of growth in Humble Grape’s wholesale and on-trade operations. As reported by the drinks business in May 2025, the company has secured listings with the Corinthia Hotel Group, Quality Chop House and South African retailer Savanna.
The wholesale channel, first developed in 2022, now supplies a range of hospitality clients including Hawksmoor, The Cadogan Arms, Hoppers, Brigadiers, Gymkhana, Sketch, Trishna and Gordon’s Wine Bar. According to founder James Dawson, the division’s expansion has been driven by assistant wine manager and account manager David Nagy, who joined from Amathus Drinks and Bedales Wines in 2023.
“David’s strategic insight and deep industry knowledge have been instrumental in securing these prestigious listings,” Dawson said. “Our shared vision is to champion sustainable winemaking and bring the world’s best wines to the UK hospitality scene.”
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